The Toronto International Film Festival has come to an end and it’s time to share my thoughts on the films I’ve had the opportunity to view. This was my second year covering TIFF and I’m incredibly thrilled I was able to do it. In addition, I was accepted via the Media Inclusion Program. Through the varying genres, countries, and lenses, these films were diverse and provided me with some of the most memorable experiences. This is the first of several review posts since I did see plenty of movies during the festival. At the end of each review, I’ll provide my Letterboxd score.
“Tres (Out of Sync),” directed by Juanjo Gimenez, was a good film. It follows a sound designer who must rethink her career and her life when her hearing falls out of sync. This concept was an intriguing one, but I didn’t have the time to research so I’m not entirely sure if it’s medically possible. Our main character has a condition where her hearing is delayed by a few seconds. If she talks or makes a sound, she doesn’t hear it until a few seconds later. The way they play with the sound design to put the audience in her shoes is brilliantly done. It had some pacing issues, but nothing too serious. It takes some unexpected turns that leaves with an ambiguous ending, but it’s a nice reminder to appreciate what we often take for granted.
★★★1/2
Courtesy of TIFF
Dug Dug, directed by Ritwik Pareek, was an unexpected delight. This Indian movie highlights the commercialism of religion in a satirical manner. Its opening is one of the most suspenseful sequences I’ve seen in a while and it effectively keeps you on your toes. The thematics are enhanced with its blue and pink color palette. It leaves you wondering how many of the religious figures earn their respective levels of god-like status. I had some nitpicks here and there, including its runtime. It’s a little shy of two hours and this could’ve easily been a 90-minute film. Some sequences run too long, but it’s a worthy watch nonetheless.
★★★1/2
Courtesy of TIFF
Becoming Cousteau, directed by Liz Garbus, was a screener I was able to obtain at the last minute. This movie wasn’t available to many U.S virtual accredited press so I’m grateful to have been given the chance to see it. It takes a look into the life of explorer, filmmaker and beloved adventurer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. This informative documentary is about the man responsible for many inventions used today and overviews his iconic films, inventions and the experiences that made him the 20th century’s most unique and renowned environmental voice. It’s breathtaking to see the archival footage (particularly underwater) and to see the follow-up decades later. Humans are always persuaded by research and exploration without taking into consideration that they’re simultaneously damaging the ecosystems. A decent doc worth a watch. Although fair warning there is some graphic violence towards animals.
★★★1/2
Courtesy of TIFF
Attica, directed by Stanley Nelson, examines the largest prison uprising in U.S. history, conducting dozens of new interviews with inmates, journalists, and other witnesses. This documentary begins a little slow but it successfully builds up to the climax that’s eventually heartbreaking, infuriating, and emotionally striking. I wasn’t aware of these events and the documentary does a good job in obtaining as many perspectives as possible. It does contain some raw graphic photos that I’ll never forget. The abuse of physical power was overdone and I’m once again reminded that humans are the least humane individuals on this planet. It’s a difficult watch, but for those who aren’t familiar with these events, I would say it’s essential viewing.
★★★★
Courtesy of TIFF
Mothering Sunday, directed by Eva Husson, is an adaptation of Graham Swift’s bittersweet novel about secret love in post-WWI England. Again, a war period piece is my cup of tea! This sensual, heartbreaking and slow-burning movie will not be for everyone. I was a little mixed on it since it integrates three different timelines and oftentimes I was confused as to what I was watching. It felt a bit convoluted at first but as the film progresses, it gets better. Yes, there’s full-frontal nudity and I must say that Josh O’Connor fans should make this film a must-watch. Overall, the movie was just okay. It had lots of potential with big names like Colin Firth and Olivia Colman, but it just felt like meh. Beautifully shot with superb cinematography but nothing more.
★★★
Courtesy of TIFF
The Box, directed by Lorenzo Vigas, tells a heart-rending story of fraught family loyalties and a searing look into the heart of Mexico’s manufacturing industry. Hatzin travels to Mexico City to collect the remains of his father, but he meets a man in the street that he’s certain is his father. The premise piqued my interest aside from being a Mexican film, and it starts strong with the protagonist diverting into his own journey after insisting his father is alive. But it never truly reaches a level of complexity nor tonally increases the stakes when we get a look at the manufacturing industry. It all feels like one tone which takes away any shock value from the ending and some twists and turns it has in the third act. It’s a well-made film that I liked but didn’t necessarily love.
★★★1/2
Courtesy of TIFF
